Low Cost Front End Diplexer For MoCA 2.0 & DVB-C/C2 Systems

IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE)
e-ISSN: 2278-2834,p- ISSN: 2278-8735. Volume 9, Issue 3Ver.I (May-Jun. 2014), PP 56-64
www.iosrjournals.org
Low cost Front end Diplexer for MoCA 2.0 & DVB-C/C2 Systems
Madhusudana Rao Kothari1, Sree Lakshmi Ele2
1
(Tata power SED, Bangalore and Communications Systems Engineering, Manipal University, India)
(VLSI Design and Embedded Systems Engineering, VTU Extension Centre - UTL Technologies Ltd, India)
I. ABSTRACT: The Media over Cable Alliance (MoCA) and Digital Video Broad Casting-Cable (DVB-C) are
the two different coax based home network standards. At Present, the home networks rely on both the standards,
based on the available devices. The Commercial devices for these MoCA2.0 and DVB-C/C2 can be from the
different vendors ranging at very high costs. In this study, an attempt has been made to design a low cost
Diplexer, which can be tuned further with the commercial available Inductors and capacitors. This helps us to
control the cost and size with the designed Diplexer followed by the effective design of home network.
Keywords- MoCA 2.0, DVB-C, Diplexer, Home Network.
I.
INTRODUCTION
The Coax based Home Network consists of DVB-C and MoCA devices [1].
A. Media over Cable Alliance (MoCA 2.0):

The Media over cable Alliance 2.0 is the latest version of the Multimedia over Coax Alliances powerful
standard for transporting data over the existing coaxial wiring in consumers homes. MoCA is proved to be
valuable and capable at present in both the service provider deployments and in consumer networking [5].
MoCA 2.-0 enriches the cable network capacity, flexibility, and better power management network [5]. The
MoCA 1.0 specification approved in 2006 demonstrated the untapped potential of residential home coaxial
wiring for high performance and proved to be inexpensive in home two-way networking. This technology is
very effective because of its bi-directional connectivity to any coax outlet in a house, which is capable of
receiving cable or satellite programming, even though the coax wiring intended to deliver the signals in one-way
[4]. It can deliver the signals more than 100 Mbps at an aggregate throughput with both the reliability (low
packet error rate) and the low latency, needed for high quality multimedia traffic and to separate the other
frequencies used by legacy cable and the satellite services on the same coax wiring. MoCA 1.1 has provided
some important enhancements to MoCA 1.0 by both the throughput and management. But the most important
step in the performance of MoCA has come with MoCA 2.0, with an increase in the aggregate throughput as 1
Gbps (in the channel bonded, point-to-point turbo mode) along with enhancements such as new power-saving
modes [5].
Fig. 1 MoCA frequency Plan

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MoCA 2.0 Operates for 50 MHz channels, with a frequency of 850 MHz to 1.675 GHz as shown in the figure1.
This has an aggregate Data with Throughput as 400 Mbps while using the single channel and 800 Mbps while
using the two bonded channels in Enhanced mode. In Turbo mode, the throughput will be 500 Mbps while using
the single channel and 1 Gbps while using the two bonded channels [5]. As shown in figure 2, the MoCA
physical Topology tree uses the coaxial cable, passive filters and splitters. The equipment connected to the
MoCA network is also known as nodes of the network and this is designed to support max 300 ft / 25 dB loss
(@ 750 MHz) between root and nodes [5].
Fig. 2 MoCA Physical Topology
B. Digital Video Broadcasting- Cable:

DVB-C is introduced by ETSI in December 1994. This subsequently becomes the most widely used
transmission system for digital cable television [2]. The standard is deployed worldwide in systems ranging
from the smaller satellite master antenna TV (SMATV) systems to larger cable television networks (CATV).
DVB-C is also integrated as the physical layer for the European version of DOCSIS (Data over Cable Service
Interface Specification). As with its predecessor, DVB-C2 offers a wide range of modes and options that can be
optimized for different network characteristics and the requirements of different services planned for delivery to
cable customers [2]. By using the state of the art code and modulation techniques, it offers higher spectrum
efficiency likely greater than 30%, with the same conditions as todays DVB-C deployments.
The noise performance of DVB-C2 is excellent. Coming close to the Shannon limit, the theoretical maximum
information transfers the rate in channel for a given noise level. The figure 3 shows the range and fine
granularity of possible solutions. The chosen COFDM modulation scheme is insensitive to echoes caused by
typical in-house coaxial networks and very robust in relation to the impulsive noise interference. Notches,
narrowband and broadband can be used to cope with different interference scenarios. Flexibility in terms of
bandwidth is a further necessary feature of DVB-C2. In the near future, the cable networks deployed with DVBC2 will allow a wide range of broad signals (e.g. 32 MHz and more) to be transmitted and can meet the
57 | Page

operators requirements for larger pipes, which allows a efficient sharing of the available resources between the
individual customers and services.
Fig. 3 SNR Graph for different Modulations used in DVB-C/C2
II.
SPECIFICATIONS OF DIPLEXER
The specification of Diplexer is as follows

1) Return loss at the input port
a.
< 870 MHz : 8 dB
b.
Between 975 to 1675 MHz: 5 dB
2) Common to Low pass:
3)
a.
6 dB Cutoff
: 870 MHz
b.
50-870 MHz
: Max1.5 0.5 dB
c.
>1175MHz
: 15dB Min
d.
>1675MHz
: 45dB Min
e.
>1700MHz
: >20 dB
Common to High pass:

a.
6 dB cut off
: 900MHz
b.
975-1675MHz
: Max2.5 0.5 dB
c.
>350 MHz
: 15 dB Min
d.
>675 MHz
: 45 dB Min
e.
>2100MHz
: >20 dB
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III.
SIMULATIONS
The return loss of input and output ports are better, greater than 14 dB and the insertion loss achieved is less
than 1 dB in the MoCA and DVB-C pass bands. The rejection is achieved as per the targeted specifications.
Fig. 3 Simulation circuit diagram

From the figure 3, it can be observed that the circuit diagram port 3 is a diplexer input, port 2 is at MoCA side
and Port 1 is at DVB-C side.
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Fig. 4 Result of Simulations
The following results are observed by the simulated design
S(3,1) Insertion loss of diplexer at Cable port.

S(2,3) & S(3,2) Insertion loss of diplexer at MoCA port
S(1,1)-Return loss at Cable port
S(2,2)-Return loss at MoCA port
S(3,3)- Return loss at Diplexer Input
IV.
SCHEMATICS AND PCB LAYOUT
Schematic of diplexer is shown in the figure 5. The modifications were done based on tuning, required to adjust
the variations due to tolerances of components and PCB. The DVB-C side of Diplexer consists of 7 section Low
pass filter and a Band pass filter on the MoCA side.
Fig. 5 Schematic of Diplexer (Madhusdana Rao. Kothari)

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The PCB Layout, the Diplexer realized on 4-layer FR4 Board Gerber view is shown in the figure 6.The planned
layout is based on the available space on the PCB, rules and previous experience of RF PCB design. The GDT
and ESD diodes are placed nearby so that the high voltage storage and Electrostatic charge can be grounded.
Fig. 6 PCB Gerber View of Diplexer
V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The Figure 7 shows the measured return loss of 9.5 dB against the required specification of 8 dB for a DVBC/C2 frequency range up to 870 MHz and the required 6dB cutoff point is observed to be at 870 MHz.
Fig. 7 Measurement showing Return loss at the input of Diplexer and insertion loss at DVB-C/C2 port
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The Figure 9 shows the Measured return loss of 5.4 dB against the specification of 5 dB for required MoCA
operating frequency range between 900 to 1675 MHz and the required maximum insertion loss is observed to be
in the required frequency range, i.e., is 2.40.5dB. The python script used to measure the sensitivity of MoCA is
as given in the figure 8.
Fig. 8 Python script used to measure the sensitivity of MoCA
Fig. 9 Measurement showing Return loss at the input of Diplexer and insertion loss at MoCA port
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The measured sensitivity graph is shown in the figure 10. The physical data rates are measured up to 400Mbps
for a received signal levels of - 52 dBm.
Figure 9.MoCA 2.0 Sensitivity Graph

The calibrated Automatic Gain Control data after locking 135 channels of DVB-C chip through the diplexer
using python script is as follows.
HNT:/home/appl/python/techxhome/driver# calibrate NXP 0 -10
Storing channel 2 frequency 57000000 with adjustment 6.812500

Storing channel 3 frequency 63000000 with adjustment -6.710000
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V.
CONCLUSION
In this study, the design adapted for the diplexer is a universal approach and can be used in other
similar applications with high power handling capability. The diplexer design can be realized in a required PCB
form factor for further Miniaturization. Also the same design can be tried out using RFMEMS for better results
and for reduction in the size. The cost of diplexer can be optimized by selecting the low cost inductors and
capacitors. The return loss of input port is limited because of the GDT internal capacitance and F-Connector.
For better input return loss, these devices can be replaced with better specifications and for achieving better
rejections, the inductors with Higher Q-factors are suggested.
VI.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to thank Mr. Chalapathi Subramanyam for supporting with the required Python
test scripts and for testing the Diplexer with MoCA and DVB-C/C2 chips.
VI. REFERENCES
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
J. Sarma, Technical Interoperability of DTH Set top Boxes, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, 11, 2010, 1-33
2nd Generation Cable: The Worlds Most Advanced Digital Cable TV System, DVB Fact Sheet - July 2012
MoCA 1.1 Specification for Device RF Characteristics, 20142011
MoCA home network installation and maintenance
MoCA 2.0:Practical Applications
Ulrich Reimers, Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) the future of television, Physics World, 1998.
Peter Vizmullar, RF Design Guide Systems, Circuits and Equations, Artech house, 1995.
Media over Coax Alliance, Home Entertainment Network, 2004.
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Low Cost Front End Diplexer For MoCA 2.0 & DVB-C/C2 Systems

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IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE)

A. Media over Cable Alliance (MoCA 2.0):

Fig. 1 MoCA frequency Plan

IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE)

Fig. 2 MoCA Physical Topology

B. Digital Video Broadcasting- Cable:

IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE)

Fig. 3 SNR Graph for different Modulations used in DVB-C/C2

The specification of Diplexer is as follows

< 870 MHz : 8 dB

Between 975 to 1675 MHz: 5 dB

2) Common to Low pass:

Common to High pass:

IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE)

Fig. 3 Simulation circuit diagram

IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE)

Fig. 4 Result of Simulations

The following results are observed by the simulated design

S(3,1) Insertion loss of diplexer at Cable port.

SCHEMATICS AND PCB LAYOUT

Fig. 5 Schematic of Diplexer (Madhusdana Rao. Kothari)

IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE)

Fig. 6 PCB Gerber View of Diplexer

V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE)

Fig. 8 Python script used to measure the sensitivity of MoCA

IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE)

Figure 9.MoCA 2.0 Sensitivity Graph

HNT:/home/appl/python/techxhome/driver# calibrate NXP 0 -10

Storing channel 2 frequency 57000000 with adjustment 6.812500

IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE)

Storing channel 21 frequency 165000000 with adjustment -5.632500

IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE)

Storing channel 66 frequency 477000000 with adjustment -6.717500

IOSR Journal of Electronics and Communication Engineering (IOSR-JECE)

Storing channel 123 frequency 789000000 with adjustment -3.247500

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